Hesperia High players, coaches pass along football basics

Peter Day

Monday

May 24, 2010 at 10:18 AMMay 24, 2010 at 10:20 AM

Young football players mostly from the Hesperia Wildcats football program were given hands-on tips from local gridiron experts during the half-day Hesperia High Youth Football Camp at Hesperia High on Saturday, May 15.

On the teaching side were Hesperia High coaches and current and former members of the football team.

"We wanted to give them [Hesperia High School players] the chance to have influence on the youth and to be good role models," said head coach Jeremy Topete.

Stations were set up on the field to teach all skills including running back, defensive back, line, agility, quarterback and receiver.

"Every camper will have the opportunity to go through each station."

Teaching quarterback skills was Ian Harriman, the former Scorpion star who plays for the University of Redlands. Harriman, who led the Scorpions to one of its greatest seasons ever in 2008-09, showed players proper grip, arm position and release skills.

"They are modeling the drills under the supervision of the coach."

In 2005, Topete was an assistant coach under former Scorpion head coach Robert Kistner, who now is at Oak Hills High. He then went to Chaffey College, where he was the offensive coordinator for several years. He also has coached at San Dimas High. Topete was named the Scorpion head coach following Kistner's departure in the spring of 2009.

"We have an opportunity to instill our philosophy," Topete said about the transition. "That process does take a few years, however."

Future Hesperia High Youth Football Camp will be held on June 12 and July 10 at Scorpion Stadium. Cost is $20 per player. For more information, call 760-244-9898 ext. 478.

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